Flaunt skills, not sexiness, for the best office image

Question: I was wondering if you could expand on women's fashion in the office, particularly around low-cut tops and tight fitting outfits. These women look attractive, but is the office the right setting for sensual styles on professionals?

If not, is there a recommended way to approach this delicate subject?

Answer: I am not surprised that this question is being raised this time of year because hot weather automatically means that we are wearing fewer articles of clothing. Some ladies will push the envelope as they dress more casually, thereby exposing more skin.

A friend of mine recently shared her experience of sitting on a panel of interviews and how two women who wore inappropriately short skirts were perceived by the men on the panel. Although both women were highly qualified for the positions, the first comments the male panelists made post interview were about their inappropriate skirt lengths.

I for one am impressed that these men did not fall into the trap of "sex sells."

In fact, studies show that wearing low-cut blouses and short skirts can hurt women's career progression and alienate them from other women in the office. One study by Peter Glick, a psychology professor at Lawrence University in Wisconsin, found that sexily dressed women are perceived as less competent than those who are appropriately covered up.

Research by New University of Ottawa found that women who are scantily dressed and show too much leg and too much cleavage are ostracized by other females in the office and are seen as "dangerous rivals."

According to the study's lead author, Tracy Vaillancourt, "women everywhere scorn sexy women."

No, these studies do not mean that women should be frumpy and dumpy at work. It means that there is no reason for us to devalue what we bring to the table by overly flaunting our assets. We should embrace our femininity, but still dress in an appropriate fashion that reflects our current job and our potential for future promotions.

Business and business casual attire should cover 75-90 percent of our body. If we are exposing more than that we run the risk that we will be judged harshly by males and females, and undermine our professional credibility.

Contrary to what television and movies preach, we need to give ourselves a bit more credit and trust that when making a positive impression, we open the door for others to learn what we are truly capable of. ⬛

Jill
haney

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Flaunt skills, not sexiness, for the best office image

Question: I was wondering if you could expand on women's fashion in the office, particularly around low-cut tops and tight fitting outfits.